Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz appeared on Channel 2's Friday night news magazine
Ulpan Shishi to defend the cuts implemented in the government's 2011-2012 budget.
Steinitz was particularly defensive about the NIS 2.7 billion cut to the Defense Ministry's budget and stated his strong support for national security needs.
"I view myself as a security hawk...We will continue to diligently protect the security of the State and give [additional] resources to health and education," said Steinitz.
Steinizt added, "I was one who spoke out against cuts in the defense budget. I have changed my mind."